8 hours ago
In logging cranes like the Madill 071 yarder, the bogie wheels and associated idler components are pivotal for ensuring smooth movement over rough and rugged terrain. These undercarriage parts bear a substantial load and provide essential traction, especially when assembled on crawler-type mounts or tank-style bases. Operators typically source these wheels—often M32 size—from specialized manufacturers or salvage suppliers.
Technical Note: A bogie wheel refers to a cluster of small load-bearing rollers grouped in a bogie (or truck) assembly. The idler is a single supportive roller guiding the track or chains, maintaining tension and alignment.
Madill 071 Background and Production Context
The Madill 071 is a slack-line tower yarder featuring a 50-foot tower—born in the 1970 s and produced through the early 1980 s. It's designed for heavy-payload cable logging where skyline, mainline, and haulback drums manage complex rigging systems for uphill or downhill yarding. The vehicle was built in limited numbers—around 240 units—making it rarer than Madill's most prolific model, the “009.” The earliest units were mounted on Terex 82-30 crawlers (often painted Terex green), while later ones used purpose-built crane-carriers, and a popular variant was mounted on surplus military tanks—famously rugged and versatile.
Specifications and Market Values
Typically, the Madill 071 is powered by diesel engines like the 6V92T or 8V92T, paired with torque-enhanced drivetrains and robust undercarriages. A documented example (1982, with 8V92T, tall gearing, 33 % torque upgrade, good undercarriage condition) was priced around $110,000 USD. Another listing for a 1985 model with rigging and extra parts dropped in for approximately $89,000 USD, while a 1989 version clocked nearly $75,000 USD. Based on recent marketplace data, pricing ranges span $35,932 to $89,000 USD for Madill 071 units.
Maintenance Strategies and Suggestions
Short Historical Anecdote
A seasoned logger recounted that in the late 2000s, he inherited a Madill 071 mounted on a tank-like undercarriage. In freezing, rocky terrain, that old “horse” dragged 3-ton logs with surprising steadiness. He’d often start early, hauling logs down in side blocking operations by sunrise, and joked, “That donkey will pull!” An affectionate reminder that well-maintained classic equipment can outperform modern machines in tough conditions.
Madill’s Company & Model Lineage
Madill—originally founded as heavy equipment and logging machinery builders—grew through the mid-20th century. In 1989, following the tragic loss of a key figure, Pat Madill, the company was acquired by Cypress Ltd. of Delta, BC. The new owner recognized Madill’s brand legacy and continued building models—painted in signature orange—under that name, merging design innovation with established trust. After the acquisition, a lineage of larger hydraulic swing-yarders appeared: models like the Madill 120, 124, and 172, offering up to 70-foot towers, advanced hydraulics, and heavier payload capacity.
Summary List of Insights
Technical Glossary
Technical Note: A bogie wheel refers to a cluster of small load-bearing rollers grouped in a bogie (or truck) assembly. The idler is a single supportive roller guiding the track or chains, maintaining tension and alignment.
Madill 071 Background and Production Context
The Madill 071 is a slack-line tower yarder featuring a 50-foot tower—born in the 1970 s and produced through the early 1980 s. It's designed for heavy-payload cable logging where skyline, mainline, and haulback drums manage complex rigging systems for uphill or downhill yarding. The vehicle was built in limited numbers—around 240 units—making it rarer than Madill's most prolific model, the “009.” The earliest units were mounted on Terex 82-30 crawlers (often painted Terex green), while later ones used purpose-built crane-carriers, and a popular variant was mounted on surplus military tanks—famously rugged and versatile.
Specifications and Market Values
Typically, the Madill 071 is powered by diesel engines like the 6V92T or 8V92T, paired with torque-enhanced drivetrains and robust undercarriages. A documented example (1982, with 8V92T, tall gearing, 33 % torque upgrade, good undercarriage condition) was priced around $110,000 USD. Another listing for a 1985 model with rigging and extra parts dropped in for approximately $89,000 USD, while a 1989 version clocked nearly $75,000 USD. Based on recent marketplace data, pricing ranges span $35,932 to $89,000 USD for Madill 071 units.
Maintenance Strategies and Suggestions
- Track-system upkeep: Regular inspection of bogie wheel sets and idlers is essential. Listening for abnormal grinding or noting misaligned track can help preempt injuries and failures.
- Sourcing quality parts: Since the 071 is vintage, used or remanufactured parts from specialized suppliers or industrial salvage yards is often the only route.
- Undercarriage upgrades: Consider outfitting a worn crawler mount with a heavy-duty tank base, which improves durability and terrain crossing capability.
- Rigging refresh: Ensure lines and carriages—such as Christy or Eagle models—are tensioned, lubricated, and free of wear. Modern synthetic cables may be substituted where load specs match or exceed original steel versions.
Short Historical Anecdote
A seasoned logger recounted that in the late 2000s, he inherited a Madill 071 mounted on a tank-like undercarriage. In freezing, rocky terrain, that old “horse” dragged 3-ton logs with surprising steadiness. He’d often start early, hauling logs down in side blocking operations by sunrise, and joked, “That donkey will pull!” An affectionate reminder that well-maintained classic equipment can outperform modern machines in tough conditions.
Madill’s Company & Model Lineage
Madill—originally founded as heavy equipment and logging machinery builders—grew through the mid-20th century. In 1989, following the tragic loss of a key figure, Pat Madill, the company was acquired by Cypress Ltd. of Delta, BC. The new owner recognized Madill’s brand legacy and continued building models—painted in signature orange—under that name, merging design innovation with established trust. After the acquisition, a lineage of larger hydraulic swing-yarders appeared: models like the Madill 120, 124, and 172, offering up to 70-foot towers, advanced hydraulics, and heavier payload capacity.
Summary List of Insights
- Bogie wheel + idler role: Key track support and guidance in heavy yarders.
- Production run: Approximately 240 Madill 071s built, with varied undercarriage options.
- Engine types: Commonly 6V92T or 8V92T diesel engines with enhanced torque.
- Current values: Market prices vary from ~$35K to ~$110K depending on condition and configuration.
- Maintenance tips: Monitor for wear, upgrade undercarriage, source quality used parts.
- Company history: Madill merged into Cypress in 1989; later models expanded in size and capability.
Technical Glossary
- Bogie wheel: A cluster of small rollers grouped in a pivoting frame to support moving tracks.
- Idler: A free-spinning roller used to maintain tension and alignment of crawler belts or chains.
- Slack-line yarder: Logging crane with separate drums for mainline, haulback, and skyline—allows more versatile cable yarding.
- Torque upgrade: Gear or driveline modification to increase pulling power output at low speeds.
